Since 1964, the unique Presidential Scholar federal program has honored more than 5,000 Presidential scholars, who have demonstrated leadership, scholarship, artistic ability and contribution to school and community. This year, of the nearly 2.8 million graduating high school seniors, St. Mary’s Academy student Helen Helfand has been chosen as one of only 550 semifinalists for the honor of 2007 Presidential Scholar.
Students have the opportunity to become Presidential Scholars based on two paths of accomplishment. The majority of the Scholars are selected on the basis of broad academic achievement. Approximately 20 additional students are selected on the basis of their academic and artistic scholarship in the visual arts, performing arts, or creative writing. Application is by invitation only, based on having scored exceptionally well on the College Board SAT or the ACT Assessment; or participation in the Arts Recognition and Talent Search (ARTS) program.
Besides the academic prowess that earned her the title of class of 2007 salutatorian, Helfand is very active at St. Mary’s in the TIES science program teaching grade school girls about the subject, cross country, track and Model United Nations. “She is a wonderful model of the true St. Mary’s spirit,” says Principal Pat Barr.
Founded in 1859 by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, St. Mary’s Academy of Portland, is Oregon’s oldest continuously operating secondary school and one of 716 all-female schools in the country. The student body represents a diverse background of young women from over 30 urban, suburban, and rural communities in Oregon and Southwest Washington. St. Mary’s Academy is distinguished by its development of the whole person, and is the only school in the state to receive three U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools awards.
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